Louisiana Voodoo Fries (Wingstop Copycat)
Are you ready to spice up your snack game? Louisiana Voodoo Fries (Wingstop Copycat) are a delightful explosion of flavor and comfort that will transport your taste buds straight to the bayou. Imagine crispy, golden fries drizzled with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce that elevates this simple dish to legendary status. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect blend of comforting textures and warm, zesty flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just treating yourself after a long week, these fries are entirely worth the little extra effort. Get ready to cook up something delicious!
Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 26 ounces frozen French fries
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder (divided)
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (shredded)
Equipment
- Oven or air fryer
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing spoon
These ingredients are not only affordable but also accessible, making this dish easy for any home cook to whip up. Plus, the equipment needed is likely already in your kitchen, so you won’t have to buy anything special to create these mouthwatering fries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer
Begin by preheating your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is essential as it ensures your fries get that irresistibly crispy edge while remaining soft on the inside.
2. Cook the Fries
Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet if using an oven, or place them in the air fryer basket. If you’re baking, refer to the package instructions for cooking times, usually around 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through to achieve uniform crispness. If you’re using an air fryer, they typically cook faster, so keep an eye on them and aim for those golden, crispy edges.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While your fries are cooking, let’s make the star of the show—the cheese sauce! In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until well combined. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and forms a roux.
4. Slowly Add Milk
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Then, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper, 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder to add that perfect kick of heat.
5. Cheese Time!
Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat to medium-low, and stir in 8 ounces of shredded white cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Assemble the Voodoo Fries
By now, your fries should be beautifully golden and crispy! Take them out of the oven or air fryer and pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the fries. For added flair, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. Enjoy these Louisiana Voodoo Fries warm!
Tips for Perfecting Your Voodoo Fries
- Cooking Method: For an added depth of flavor, consider tossing your frozen fries in a little olive oil and seasoning before baking. You can also leave the fries unseasoned if you prefer a lighter touch.
- Texture Variation: If you enjoy a soft, delectable fry, try boiling them first before baking or air frying. For extra crunch, use the highest setting on your air fryer.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties. A mix of pepper jack and cheddar would contribute a lovely blend of flavors and spice.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which may be hard to believe!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the fries will lose some of their crispiness, you can revive them by reheating them in the oven or air fryer to restore some of that crunch.
For freezing, spread the cooked fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze them for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, you can bake from frozen; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Make-Ahead Tips
While the fries themselves should be cooked fresh for that perfect crispness, you can absolutely prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time! Just make the sauce, let it cool, store it in the fridge, and reheat it gently before pouring over hot fries.
How to Use / Serve This Dish
Louisiana Voodoo Fries (Wingstop Copycat) are perfect on their own, but they shine as a side dish for several comforting meals. Pair them with your favorite halal grilled chicken or as a side for a veggie burger night. They’re also great as a finger food for parties. You can serve them alongside halal dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or even a refreshing yogurt-based dip.
If you want to make your dish even more vibrant and exciting, consider adding toppings such as green onions, sliced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of garlic sauce for an extra layer of taste.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Absolutely! Feel free to cut fresh potatoes into fries and toss them with olive oil and your seasonings of choice. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries.
2. What can I substitute for white cheddar cheese?
If you can’t find white cheddar, feel free to use yellow cheddar or any other meltable cheese. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so choose a cheese you enjoy!
3. How long do the leftovers last?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftover fries will last about 3 days. To maintain some crunch, reheat them in an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.
4. Can I make the cheese sauce dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk), and vegan cheese shreds. Just make sure the ranch seasoning is also dairy-free.
Conclusion
In summary, Louisiana Voodoo Fries (Wingstop Copycat) take comfort food to a whole new level. Their rich, cheesy goodness and spicy kick make them an unforgettable addition to any meal or snack time. The wonderful blend of flavors and textures will surely remind you of the best times shared over food. So why not give this recipe a try? I promise you won’t regret the incredible taste and warmth these fries bring to your kitchen. Share your version with friends or come back to this blog for more delicious homemade recipes. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Louisiana Voodoo Fries
Ingredients
Fries
- 26 ounces frozen French fries
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder divided
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket.
Cooking
- Bake the fries for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through if using an oven. If using an air fryer, monitor closely for golden, crispy edges.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour until combined and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, white pepper, ranch seasoning, and cayenne powder.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add the shredded cheese, and stir until melted and creamy.
Assembly
- Once the fries are golden and crispy, pour the cheese sauce generously over them.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne on top for color and flavor.
